TECH WATCH
Flock launches
Virtual Event Knowledge Series By Mike Lysko, chief executive officer and founder of Flock Platform
F
lock has been operating in the virtual and mobile side of events since 2013 providing event tech solutions, so sprang into action as soon as possible by developing features enabling events to be held completely through mobile apps, or through a combination of mobile and online/virtual event platforms. Over the last few weeks there has been much research and information provided on an incredibly wide variety of virtual and online platforms, all with different pros and cons, and applicable to certain events over others – making it a challenge for event planners (amongst everything else that requires planning and co-ordination) to become complete event tech gurus by knowing which options are best for which types of events, and
which options and developments are available when it comes to virtual events. Understanding this scenario, the Flock team strategised around how to provide valuable information to event planners on virtual events, and thus the Virtual Event Knowledge Series was born. The first live webinar took place on 13 May and had over 150 attendees from eight countries around the world. The topic was AR (augmented reality) & VR (virtual reality) in events which included a presentation on various platforms and tech capabilities in this space from Steve Pinto, chief executive officer of New Reality. Mike Lysko, Calley Hayward and Veronica Botes from the Flock team were hosting guests and provided a series of engagement tools,
polls and jam-packed content covering: • The various types of events held (conferences, networking events, exhibitions, product showcases, open days, awards ceremonies, seminars, training workshops and others). • Some available platforms for lifelike meetings and events with inperson meetups and collaborations from anywhere in the world. • Important preparation tactics for event planners and their suppliers. • Tips and tricks for audience engagement to accommodate different distractions and ensure the guests attention is kept. • How to monetise your online events and add value to your sponsors? • The importance of analytics and surveys for consistent improvement.
The future will consist of varying degrees of hybrid events (a mix of digital and physical elements in one event), with potential for better attendee experiences and improvements in networking as audiences are no longer bound by logistics and geography.
20 Business Events Africa May 2020
www.businesseventsafrica.com
Macrovector – www.freepik.com
From the beginning of the global lockdowns, the events industry has been one of the hardest hit, sending many event planners into strategy mode. With initial reductions in mass gatherings, to limits on groups larger than 100, later 50, and then a complete shut-down, it has left the events industry with little option besides taking their much-needed events into the virtual sphere.
